Ride Classification

Please use the chart and guidelines shown below to select a club ride that is appropriate to your riding skill level.

ROAD BIKE MOUNTAIN BIKE
PACE TERRAIN SKILL LEVEL
L Leisurely (up to 10 mph) 1 Flat - Alameda Creek Trail = Beginner: Fire roads, gravel trails, not too steep and almost no obstacles
T Touring (10 to 13 mph) 2 Slight hills - Mission Blvd: Stevenson to Mission San Jose < Intermediate: Singletrack, some small rocks, roots and mud
M Moderate (13 to 16 mph) 3 Moderate hills - climbs of up to 500 ft: E. Warren u Advanced: Tight, twisty singletrack, steep downhills, rocks
B Brisk (16 to 19 mph) 4 Hilly - at least one of climb of 1000 ft. +: Palomares Rd. uu Expert: Combinations or extreme examples of obstacles
F Fast (19+ mph) 5 Steep, very hilly - sustained climbs of 1000 ft. +  

All ride participants should adhere to the following guidelines in their ride selection/preparation:

  • Contact the ride Leader prior to the ride. Discuss the pace/terrain and let them know you are coming.
  • A multi-speed bicycle is required, unless otherwise specified for the individual ride. The bicycle should be in good working condition: tires inflated, brakes and derailleurs working.
  • Riders should bring a tire pump, spare tube, patch kit, and know how to use them. Riders should also bring a water bottle, HELMET and lunch or money for snacks. Medical information and emergency phone numbers should be carried at all times with you.
  • All riders under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult, unless they have special permission from the ride leader in advance and have a signed Medical Authorization and Consent to Minor Form.*
  • Riders 16-17 years old may ride unaccompanied by an adult, but must have a signed Medical Authorization and Consent to Minor Form.*
  • The ride leader has the right to refuse a rider to participate on the ride, if the rider's physical condition or the condition of his/her bicycle does not appear suitable for the ride scheduled.
  • Starting times: All rides leave the starting point 15 minutes after the scheduled time; unless the ride is marked Prompt - then the ride begins at the time listed
  • * These rules do not apply to USCF licensed riders. In those cases, USCF rules apply.

The combined terrain, pace and distance should be considered in the ride selection. A 4M/35 ride would be a hilly, moderate paced (10-15 mph), 35-mile ride and recommended for strong intermediate riders.